University of Delaware Athletics
Delaware Women's Athletics Pioneer Mary Ann Hitchens Selected for NFHCA Hall of Fame
11/9/2015 5:19:00 PM | Field Hockey, Women's Basketball, Delaware Athletics
CHANDLER, Ariz. – A pioneer in the growth of the University of Delaware women's athletics program, Mary Ann Hitchens enjoyed great success as a coach and continued to gain notice as a nationally respected administrator.
And now Hitchens will be able to add to her long list of accolades as she has been chosen as a 2015 inductee into the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
The NFHCA will welcome the Class of 2015 into the Hall of Fame during the 2016 NFHCA Annual Convention, held January 6-8, 2016 in Naples, Fla.
“I am extremely proud and deeply humbled to receive this most unexpected honor,” commented Hitchens. “I will accept it on behalf of the many UD Blue Hens field hockey players, assistant coaches, managers and athletic trainers during my 16 years of coaching as they all deserve this recognition.”
A native of Milford, Del. and 1967 and 1971 graduated of the University of Delaware, Hitchens posted a record of 196-76-30 during her 16-year (1973-1988) head-coaching career of the Blue Hens field hockey squad. Her tenure included 15 winning seasons, three conference titles and six national playoff appearances, which included a second place AIAW national finish in 1978. Additionally, she coached nine All-Americans and was a four-time East Coast Conference Coach of the Year honoree. She stepped down following the 1988 season to devote more time to her duties in athletics administration.
Hitchens also spent seven years as the first-ever head coach of the women's basketball team and led the Blue Hens to a 71-35 record with six postseason appearances. Her teams never had a losing season and advanced to the EAIAW Regionals each year.
From 1992-94, Hitchens was the first woman to ever serve as the president of the America East Conference.
In total, she spent 29 years as an athletics administrator, the last eight as senior associate director and served as the senior women's administrator from 1977 until her retirement in 2006.
Hitchens was inducted into the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame in 1997 and the University of Delaware Athletics Hall of Fame in 1999.
Hitchens will be joined in the Class of 2015 with Allen Holmes (former head coach at Belfast Area High School (Maine)) and Kelly Yates (Director and Owner of Gateway Field Hockey Club).
“I am very excited to hear of Mary Ann's induction into the NFHCA Hall of Fame. Her passion for the University of Delaware and the field hockey program is what made her such a great teacher and coach. That passion generated a very fun and hard working environment, which lead to successful teams. BUT, we also knew we had to step up our game if Mary Ann threw down her clipboard. We were always very aware of that clipboard's location. Mary Ann was infamous for utilizing it as a ball stop as well, revealing the catlike reflexes that we knew must have served her well as a player. Mary Ann was a pioneer in women's athletics as she helped pave the way for many young coaches and was a strong role model for many of my teammates that went into the coaching profession. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of her legacy.” – Anne Wilkinson '86, current Ohio State field hockey head coach
“Mary Ann, AKA Ms. Hitchens, is nothing but PURE. Thirty years ago, in a Blue Hens huddle, one wondered just HOW our leader could be so COMPLETELY organized, so UNCONDITIONALLY fair and so RUTHLESSLY hard working. Every practice session with a clipboard in both hands, a compassionate smile inside a piercing competitive expression set the tone. Thank you for shaping the healthiest VIEW of sport.” – Missy Meharg '85, current Maryland field hockey head coach
“Mary Ann Hitchens epitomized professionalism both as a coach and an administrator. Every decision she made was thoughtful, insightful and educational. Blue Hens teams and athletes benefited during Mary Ann's tenure because she was invested in the development of every program under her direction. She represented UD so positively and made an impact on so many female athletes who had the opportunity to play for her. I am incredibly lucky to have been a member of the field hockey team. Mary Ann was a tremendous coach and mentor. I am fortunate to have an ongoing relationship with her as Mary Ann is such an outstanding person and friend.” – Anne Brooking '84, longtime Delaware area high school field hockey coach
“Mary Ann, congratulations on your Hall of Fame induction. You have been a respected leader in women's sports and taught me to see sport as a metaphor for life. As an 18-21 year old, I never understood many of the decisions, concepts, field hockey tests (most of which I failed) or rules. However, as I matured and became a coach, I was able to understand and piece together many of the life lessons that were afforded to me through my time as an athlete under your guidance to become a student of the game. I find myself saying the same things I'd hear you and Janet [Smith] tell me as an 18 year old. And then I think what goes around comes around and I should have been better behaved as a student-athlete! University of Delaware field hockey has always been a place for strong, independent women to learn and grow. We were progressive and represented heart and determination. We had lots of fun and learned to become independent thinkers and decision makers. How we did one thing was how we did all things – with enthusiasm, heart and grit. We were not micromanaged or over-coached, but instead guided from a place of self-knowledge. Mary Ann, you are a teacher, a role model, an independent strong woman and a leader. I am honored to say I competed for you and know I use many of the lessons from my days as an athlete under your guidance in my present role as a Division I coach. I love this game and my days at Delaware. The scholarship opportunity afforded me a time when women's sports were just forming and changed my life's path. I am forever grateful for the opportunity you and the sport of field hockey gave me. You took a chance on me and I hope I can represent to my athletes a few of the many life lessons that you taught me. Thank you and congratulations on a well-deserved honor!” – Ange Bradley '89, current Syracuse field hockey head coach
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact Maggie Hayon | mhayon@udel.edu | O: 302-831-6389 | C: 920-912-6635
